TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 20:22–27. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The last verse is a particular law, which comes in after the general conclusion, as if omitted in its proper place: it is for the putting of those to death that dealt with familiar spirits, Lev 20:27. It would be an affront to God and to his lively oracles, a scandal to the country, and a temptation to ignorant bad people, to consult them, if such were known and suffered to live among them. Those that are in league with the devil have in effect made a covenant with death and an agreement with hell, and so shall their doom be.
The rest of these verses repeat and inculcate what had been said before; for to that unthinking forgetful people it was requisite that there should be line upon line, and that general rules, with their reasons, should be frequently insisted on, for the enforcement of particular laws, and making them more effectual. Three things we are here reminded of:-
I.Their dignity.
1.They had the Lord for their God, Lev 20:24. They were his, his care, his choice, his treasure, his jewels, his kingdom of priests (Lev 20:26): That you should be mine. Happy the people, and truly great, that are in such a case.
2.Their God was a holy God (Lev 20:26), infinitely advanced above all others. His holiness is his glory, and it was their honour to be related to him, while their neighbours were the infamous worshippers of impure and filthy spirits.
3.The great God had separated them from other people (Lev 20:24), and again, Lev 20:26. Other nations were the common; they were the enclosure, beautified and enriched with peculiar privileges, and designed for peculiar honours; let them therefore value themselves accordingly, preserve their honour, and not lay it in the dust, by walking in the way of the heathen.
II.Their duty; this is inferred from their dignity.
God had done more for them than for others, and therefore expected more from them than from others. And what is it that the Lord their God requires, in consideration of the great things done and designed?
1.You shall keep all my statutes (Lev 20:22); and there was all the reason in the world that they should, for the statutes were their honour, and obedience to them would be their lasting comfort.
2.You shall not walk in the manners of nations, Lev 20:23. Being separated from them, they must not associate with them, nor learn their ways. The manners of the nations were bad enough in them, but would be much worse in God's people.
3.You shall put a difference between clean and unclean, Lev 20:25. This is holiness, to discern between things that differ, not to live at large, as if we might say and do any thing, but to speak and act with caution.
4.You shall not make your souls abominable, Lev 20:25. Our constant care must be to preserve the honour, by preserving the purity, of our own souls, and never to do any thing to make them abominable to God and to our own consciences.
III.Their danger.
1.They were going into an infected place (Lev 20:24): You shall inherit their land, a land flowing with milk and honey, which they would have the comfort of if they kept their integrity; but, withal, it was a land full of idols, idolatries, and superstitious usages, which they would be apt to fall in love with, having brought from Egypt with them a strange disposition to take that infection.
2.If they took the infection, it would be of pernicious consequence to them. The Canaanites were to be expelled for these very sins: They committed all these things, therefore I abhorred them, Lev 20:23. See what an evil thing sin is; it provokes God to abhor his own creatures, whereas otherwise he delights in the work of his hands. And, if the Israelites trod in the steps of their impiety, they must expect that the land would spue them out (Lev 20:22), as he had told them before, Lev 18:28. If God spared not the natural branches, but broke them off, neither would he spare those who were grafted in, if they degenerated. Thus the rejection of the Jews stands for a warning to all Christian churches to take heed lest the kingdom of God be taken from them. Those that sin like others must expect to smart like them; and their profession of relation to God will be no security to them.
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Summary
Leviticus 20:24 serves as a profound capstone to a chapter replete with commands concerning holiness and separation, particularly from the defiling practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. In this verse, the Lord reaffirms His unwavering covenant promise to Israel: the inheritance of a fertile and prosperous land. This divine declaration not only underscores God's faithfulness to His ancient promises but also powerfully reiterates Israel's unique identity as a people specially chosen and set apart by Him, emphasizing that their continued possession of the promised blessings is intrinsically linked to their obedience to His holy character.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 20 stands as a climactic section within the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), which meticulously outlines the requirements for Israel to live as a holy people in the presence of a holy God. Chapters 18 and 19 detail specific prohibitions against sexual immorality, idolatry, and other pagan practices, often contrasting them sharply with the customs of Egypt and Canaan. Chapter 20 then escalates these warnings, prescribing severe penalties, including death, for offenses such as child sacrifice to Molech, consulting mediums, incest, and bestiality. The immediate verses preceding 20:24 (Leviticus 20:22-23) serve as a stark warning, reminding Israel that the land itself would "vomit out" its inhabitants if they defiled it with such abominations, just as it had done to the nations before them. Against this backdrop of severe judgment and the imperative for moral purity, verse 24 emerges as a powerful reassertion of God's covenant promise of the land, contingent upon Israel's faithful adherence to the distinct identity and holy lifestyle He had ordained for them. It functions as both a motivation for obedience and a reminder of the gracious inheritance awaiting them.
Historical & Cultural Context
At the time of the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai, Israel was transitioning from a nomadic people to a settled nation, poised to enter the land of Canaan. This land was already inhabited by various peoples (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) whose religious and social practices were antithetical to the holiness God demanded of Israel. These practices included widespread idolatry, cultic prostitution, and the horrific ritual of child sacrifice to deities like Molech, explicitly condemned in Leviticus 18:21 and Leviticus 20:2-5. God's command to "separate" Israel from these nations was not merely a matter of ethnic distinction but a profound call to moral and spiritual purity. The land itself was seen as sacred, belonging to Yahweh, and its defilement by unholy practices would lead to the expulsion of its inhabitants, as articulated in Leviticus 18:24-28. Thus, the promise of inheriting a "land flowing with milk and honey" was inextricably linked to Israel's commitment to maintaining their distinct, holy identity in stark contrast to the corrupt cultures they were displacing.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of holiness, emphasizing God's intrinsic character and His demand for His people to reflect that character in every aspect of their lives. This holiness necessitates separation—a deliberate distinction from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding nations, as seen in the repeated warnings throughout Leviticus 18 and Leviticus 20. The verse also highlights God's covenant faithfulness, reaffirming the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the land. This land, described as one "flowing with milk and honey," symbolizes divine blessing and provision, contingent upon Israel's obedience to the covenant stipulations. Ultimately, the verse encapsulates the reciprocal relationship between God's grace and Israel's responsibility to live as His uniquely chosen and consecrated people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." In the context of Leviticus 20:24, it carries the weight of a divinely granted right to possess the land, implying both the displacement of previous inhabitants and the establishment of Israel's rightful claim. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing a secure and lasting tenure.
This word means "to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)." It is a foundational concept in Leviticus, used to delineate between clean and unclean, holy and common, and here, between Israel and the surrounding nations. The active voice ("I have separated you") highlights God's sovereign initiative in choosing and consecrating Israel for His unique purposes, demanding a distinct lifestyle that reflects His holy character.
Verse Breakdown
"But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land"
This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the certainty of God's promise. The "their land" refers to the territory of the Canaanite nations, which Israel was destined to possess. This is a direct fulfillment of the covenant established with Abraham, reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring God's faithfulness to His word.
"and I will give it unto you to possess it"
This reinforces the idea of divine gift and ownership. The land is not to be conquered by Israel's might alone, but is a gracious endowment from God. The repetition of "possess" underscores the permanence and security of this inheritance, which is contingent upon their faithfulness to the covenant.
"a land that floweth with milk and honey"
This iconic idiom describes a land of extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. It paints a vivid picture of a rich agricultural landscape capable of sustaining a thriving nation, symbolizing God's generous provision and blessing for His obedient people, a stark contrast to the wilderness they had endured.
"I am the LORD your God"
This is a fundamental covenant formula, asserting God's sovereign authority, His unique relationship with Israel, and His exclusive claim on their worship and obedience. It serves as the ultimate basis for all His commands and promises, reinforcing His identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.
"which have separated you from other people"
This final clause reiterates the core theme of the chapter and indeed, much of Leviticus. God's act of separation is the foundation of Israel's unique identity and calling. This distinction is not merely ethnic or geographical but profoundly moral and spiritual, demanding a lifestyle of holiness that sets them apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the world.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:24 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The phrase "a land that floweth with milk and honey" is a quintessential idiom in biblical literature, vividly conveying extraordinary fertility, abundance, and divine blessing. It is a sensory image that evokes the richness and prosperity promised by God, a stark contrast to the arid wilderness. Furthermore, the declaration "I am the LORD your God" is a classic covenant formula or divine self-attestation. This phrase frequently appears in the Mosaic Law, serving as the ultimate ground for all divine commands and promises, emphasizing God's sovereign authority and His exclusive, personal relationship with Israel. The entire verse also functions as a form of inclusio for the chapter's themes, beginning with God's promise of the land and concluding with His act of separation, thus framing the intervening commands for holiness within the context of divine grace and purpose.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 20:24 powerfully encapsulates several core theological truths: God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, His sovereign election of a people for Himself, and the intrinsic link between divine blessing and human obedience. The promise of the land, described as "flowing with milk and honey," signifies God's abundant provision and the tangible blessings that accompany a right relationship with Him. This inheritance, however, is not unconditional; it is predicated on Israel's willingness to live out their unique identity as a "separated" people, reflecting God's holiness in a world steeped in paganism. This separation underscores the radical distinctiveness of God's character and His demand for exclusive allegiance, forming the very foundation of their covenant relationship.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 20:24, while rooted in ancient Israel's experience, offers profound truths for believers today. It reminds us of God's enduring faithfulness to His promises, even when His people falter. Just as He promised Israel a physical inheritance, so too has He promised believers a spiritual inheritance in Christ—a "land" of spiritual abundance, peace, and eternal life. This verse also serves as a powerful call to holiness and separation. We, too, are called to be a distinct people, set apart by God's grace from the values, practices, and idolatries of the surrounding culture. Our conduct, ethics, and priorities should visibly reflect the character of our holy God, demonstrating the transforming power of His presence in our lives. The blessings of God, while not always material, are intimately connected to our willingness to walk in obedience and maintain our unique identity as His chosen ones, living lives that honor His name and bear witness to His truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the phrase "a land that floweth with milk and honey"?
The phrase "a land that floweth with milk and honey" is a rich biblical idiom symbolizing extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. It paints a picture of a land so productive that it naturally yields essential sustenance in great quantities. "Milk" represents the thriving of livestock (cows, goats), indicating rich pastures and a healthy animal economy, while "honey" (likely wild honey from bees or date syrup) signifies the lushness of flora, fruitfulness, and the sweetness of life. Together, they convey a vision of a self-sustaining, bountiful land where God's people would experience His generous provision and blessing, a stark contrast to the barrenness of the desert they had traversed. This imagery is used throughout the Pentateuch to describe the Promised Land, such as in Exodus 3:8.
How does God "separate" His people, and what does that mean for believers today?
In the Old Testament, God "separated" Israel through His sovereign election, His covenant with them, and the giving of His Law. This separation was multi-faceted: it was geographical (setting them apart in a specific land), cultic (establishing unique worship practices and dietary laws), and most importantly, moral and spiritual (demanding a holy lifestyle distinct from the pagan nations around them). The purpose was for Israel to be a holy nation, a light to the Gentiles, reflecting God's character. For believers today, this concept of separation is spiritual and ethical rather than geographical or cultic. We are separated by God's grace through Christ, called to be "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14-16). This means living according to God's values, pursuing holiness, and rejecting the sinful practices and idolatries of the prevailing culture, as encouraged in Romans 12:2. Our separation is for the purpose of bearing witness to Christ and living lives that glorify God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 20:24, with its themes of divine promise, inherited land, and a separated people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "land that floweth with milk and honey" foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and abundant life that believers receive in Christ, far surpassing any earthly territory. Through His atoning work, Jesus grants us access to the true "rest" and "inheritance" that Hebrews speaks of, a spiritual reality in the heavenly places, as described in Ephesians 1:3 and Hebrews 4:9-11. Furthermore, the concept of God "separating" a people finds its apex in the New Covenant. Believers, drawn from every tribe and nation, are now the "separated" people of God, a holy nation and a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9), set apart by the blood of Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Our separation is not merely from pagan practices but unto Christ, who is our life, our hope, and our ultimate "land" of abundant provision. As the "LORD our God," Jesus embodies the divine presence and covenant faithfulness, making us heirs of an eternal kingdom and co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17), a fulfillment far grander than any earthly promise.